Palandöken is a central district of Erzurum province, located in the Eastern Anatolian Region. It is situated in the foothills of the Palandöken Mountains, south of the Erzurum city center, from which it takes its name. It achieved its status in 2008 when Erzurum's central district was divided into three. It has an area of approximately 667 km² and an average altitude of 1,850 meters.

The district is bordered by Yakutiye and Aziziye districts to the north and Tekman district to the south. Palandöken, which has a mountainous and rugged terrain, receives heavy snowfall in the winter months. Under the influence of a continental climate, winters are long and harsh, while summers are short and cool.

Palandöken is particularly attractive due to its natural beauty. The Palandöken Mountains, from which the district derives its name, are one of Türkiye's important mountain ranges and make a significant contribution to winter tourism. The Palandöken Ski Resort, located in these mountains, is of great importance for skiing and winter sports, both nationally and internationally. Its mountainous terrain and high altitude provide a suitable environment for activities such as mountaineering and hiking in the summer months. The district's topography directly affects agriculture and livestock farming activities.

^{Palandöken District (}^{Palandöken Municipality}⁾

Geography and Climate

Palandöken district is located south of the Erzurum Plain. The Palandöken Mountains, rising in the southern part of the district, give the region its name and play a decisive role in winter tourism. The district has a continental climate; winters are long, cold, and snowy, while summers are short and cool. The average annual temperature is 5-6 °C, and the average annual rainfall is around 450-500 mm.

History

Administratively, Palandöken district was established in 2008 by Law No. 5747 on the Establishment of Districts within the Boundaries of Metropolitan Municipalities and Amendments to Certain Laws, separating from Erzurum's central district to become an independent district. However, the region's settlement history parallels that of Erzurum, bearing traces of numerous civilizations such as the Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and others.

Historical Places

Palandöken district houses various historical sites and places of pilgrimage, reflecting Erzurum's spiritual and cultural fabric. The Abdurrahman Gazi Tomb, located in the district, is highly revered by the people of Erzurum, both religiously and historically. Tombs belonging to religious figures such as Pir Ali Baba, Kümbetli Ahmet Baba, and Maksut Efendi are also important sites, enriching the cultural wealth of the district. These structures serve as places of prayer and visitation among the people, and also form a part of the local belief system.

Population and Social Structure

According to the 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System data, Palandöken's population is 179,286. Of this population, 87,543 are male and 91,743 are female. The majority of the population lives in the district center. Being relatively developed in terms of education and health services, and its proximity to the Atatürk University campus, the district has a high concentration of young people. Most cultural activities are carried out in conjunction with the Erzurum center.

Administrative Structure

Palandöken District consists of 26 neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are:

Adnan Menderes
Abdurrahman Gazi
Alibezirgan
Aziziye
Börekli
Çeperli
Dereboğazı
Güllüköy
Güzelyurt
Hancığaz
Hüseyin Avni Ulaş
Konaklı
Kümbet
Müftü Solakzade
Nenehatun
Şehitler
Sığırlı
Taşlıgüney
Tekkederesi
Tepeköy
Toparlak
Uzunahmet
Yağmurcuk
Yıkılhan
Yukarıyenice
Yunus Emre

Economy

The economy of the Palandöken district is largely based on the service sector and winter tourism. The Palandöken Ski Resort is one of the leading winter tourism destinations not only in Erzurum but also in Türkiye, significantly shaping the district's economic structure. Accommodation facilities, restaurants, and winter sports equipment rental businesses are also important parts of economic activity.

^{Palandöken Ski Resort (}^{Palandöken Governor's Office}⁾

Education and Culture

Palandöken district houses important institutions that serve as Erzurum's educational center. In addition to numerous primary and secondary schools, its proximity to the Atatürk University campus has fostered an education-focused social structure. A part of Erzurum Technical University and some faculties are within Palandöken's boundaries. Due to the high number of young people in the district, sporting and cultural activities are relatively active.

Tourism

Palandöken district is nationally and internationally known for the Palandöken Ski Resort, from which it takes its name. The 25th World University Winter Games (Universiade) held in 2011 contributed to the modernization of the winter tourism infrastructure in the district. Apart from the ski resort, the Palandöken Mountains, known for their natural beauty, are also valuable for hiking and highland tourism in the summer months.

^{Palandöken (}^{Palandöken Municipality}⁾

Transportation and Governance

The district is directly connected to the Erzurum city center and has well-developed road access. Its proximity to Erzurum Airport makes it advantageous in terms of transportation. Bus, minibus, and taxi services are widespread in the city.

Palandöken Municipality is responsible for the administration of all settlements within the district boundaries. The district also receives services from the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality.

Current Issues and Developments

The district occasionally faces issues such as infrastructure problems and irregular development that require urban transformation. On the other hand, thanks to Erzurum's developing transportation network and national sports events, Palandöken district has become more economically and socially dynamic in recent years.

Palandöken (District)